GRADE 2 are truly a phenomenon.
Barely out of their teens, three 14-year-old boys from the Isle of Wight took a leap of faith and decided to make music. They strummed away, soon getting good at playing cover versions. Their first gigs on the island followed. Eventually, it became too small for them, and the three boys from GRADE 2 grew older. They played their first gigs on the mainland and began to venture into their own compositions. The label Contra Records took notice of the trio, leading to their first releases through this label.
Tim Armstrong, head of Hellcat Records and singer of Rancid, noticed the three Englishmen some time later and was so impressed that he wanted to release their next works on his label. This came to pass and continues to this day.
GRADE 2 are an excellent example that if you are passionate about something, want to make music, punk rock, and work hard at it, you will be rewarded. Sure, a bit of luck is part of it, and of course, talent.
GRADE 2 play a kicking mix of '77 punk, with fat guitars and the gas pedal pressed down, along with a large portion of street punk. Oi and kick-ass rock are also part of the mixture that represents the band's sound.
With every song, it is clear that the three love what they do. Especially in the vocals and choruses, you can tell that the band is passionate about their music.
Socially critical and political, firmly rooted in the working class, the band is a welcome guest at punk and oi festivals. Their current European tour has brought them sold-out clubs like the Cassiopeia in Berlin.
In my estimation, GRADE 2 are at the peak of their career, if I may use that term. If the boys keep this up, great things await them. They create a powerful sound that kicks and excites, literally sweeping you off your feet.
GRADE 2, a new star in the punk rock sky and perhaps the best punk export from England in a long time.
